I Corinthians 7:5 (NAS)
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
There are days when I feel the need to coin the phrase by Joan Rivers. Can we talk? I have to make myself take the time to sit down and have a heart to heart with God. The busyness of the day grips me and it is evening before I realize I didn't take time to commune with my Lord.
Like most of us I go throughout the day and talk with God. You know what I'm talking about. "Lord don't let that driver pull out in front of me." Or "Lord give me one more minute to finish this and I'll sit down with You."
He wants His time with us. Our complete self, not just a passing moment to say our prayers, which I might add become automatic sometimes. Again you know what I'm talking about. Lead me through this day, watch over my children, guide my husband in his decisions, and oh yes Lord, we need rain. Amen.
No, God wants us to take TIME for Him. Open our Bible, let Him lead us to the scripture He has for us for that day. Sit and chat openly with Him. He wants to hear how we feel, what we are going through. He already knows but He wants to hear it from us. Talk to Him like you would your closest friend. Your hurts are important to Him. We are His children. Do you not love your own children and want the best for them? God is your Father and He wants what is best for you.
Yes, we discipline our children, and God is not different. When He disciplines us it is to bring us closer to Him. Our God is a loving Father who wants to have time with our complete self.
Matthew 21:22 says "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
This doesn't mean you need to ask to win the lottery. What it does mean is that God wants us to live a full and abundant life, and above all take time for Him.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for Your love and always being there for me. Forgive me for not taking time to be with You. I need You in my life as I cannot do anything without You. Amen.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
JUDGEMENT ON RULERS
Micah 3: 1-2 (NAS)
Hear now, heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel. Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate good and love evil.
This morning I was flipping the pages of my Bible asking God to lead me to His passage. What do You want me to take away this morning? Then in the back ground I heard the President speaking. They came to a decision over the debt of our great nation.
I've watched only a small portion on the pull of control between the two parties. I'm probably not a good one to give much of an opinion. But what I have noticed is that here are two parties that are supposed to be governing our country that are acting like little boys in a sand box. No one wants to give an inch.
The scare tactics they've projected on the elderly, uninsured, and the low income that are working hard every day trying to make ends meet. Like they've set themselves up as judge and jury. They want to take every penny but not give up a cent of their own.
Our country was founded on the Bible, helping others, bonding together, and praising God. Asking Him to guide us in all we do. We've strayed from those principles.
Micah 4: 7 says "I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcasts a strong nation, and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on and forever.
I believe that we must keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord. Open our hearts to what He is telling us. To stay focused on His Word daily.
Heavenly Father guide me every day of my life. Lead me through Your word and may I make it a path to follow. Amen.
Hear now, heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel. Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate good and love evil.
This morning I was flipping the pages of my Bible asking God to lead me to His passage. What do You want me to take away this morning? Then in the back ground I heard the President speaking. They came to a decision over the debt of our great nation.
I've watched only a small portion on the pull of control between the two parties. I'm probably not a good one to give much of an opinion. But what I have noticed is that here are two parties that are supposed to be governing our country that are acting like little boys in a sand box. No one wants to give an inch.
The scare tactics they've projected on the elderly, uninsured, and the low income that are working hard every day trying to make ends meet. Like they've set themselves up as judge and jury. They want to take every penny but not give up a cent of their own.
Our country was founded on the Bible, helping others, bonding together, and praising God. Asking Him to guide us in all we do. We've strayed from those principles.
Micah 4: 7 says "I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcasts a strong nation, and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on and forever.
I believe that we must keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord. Open our hearts to what He is telling us. To stay focused on His Word daily.
Heavenly Father guide me every day of my life. Lead me through Your word and may I make it a path to follow. Amen.
Monday, July 11, 2011
REJOICE
1 Peter 4: 12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
While dusting the top of my bookcase I ran across the pocket Bible I used to carry in my purse. For about four years I lived a turbulent life and sought refuge in the words my God gave me.
For fourteen years my children and I endured physical and mental abuse. When I decided I could not take it any longer I filed for divorce. I struggled because I knew God did not like divorce. I didn't want to go against Him. When I came to terms with leaving I knew in my heart it was the right decision. I felt at peace with what I was about to do.
After I filed the abuse got worse. That was the worst beating I had ever had. I cried out. "Why me? What did I do so wrong for all this to happen?" In my most darkest moment I opened God's Word. He lift and filled me with His strength and love.
Like the fishermen in open sea, I knew it was better to be in the storm with Christ than in smooth water without Him.
My little Bible is so dogeared and high lighted, but when I turn the pages it takes me back to that time in my life. The lowest time in my life I depended on God's Words to sustain me. I can still feel the warmth of His arms around me.
I will always need His Word to guide me throughout my days. I hunger for His arms to hold me and comfort me. I long to hear Him whisper His words of affection. Through my trials I am strengthened with God's never ending love.
Gracious Father thank you for Your Word and Your love. Amen.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
While dusting the top of my bookcase I ran across the pocket Bible I used to carry in my purse. For about four years I lived a turbulent life and sought refuge in the words my God gave me.
For fourteen years my children and I endured physical and mental abuse. When I decided I could not take it any longer I filed for divorce. I struggled because I knew God did not like divorce. I didn't want to go against Him. When I came to terms with leaving I knew in my heart it was the right decision. I felt at peace with what I was about to do.
After I filed the abuse got worse. That was the worst beating I had ever had. I cried out. "Why me? What did I do so wrong for all this to happen?" In my most darkest moment I opened God's Word. He lift and filled me with His strength and love.
Like the fishermen in open sea, I knew it was better to be in the storm with Christ than in smooth water without Him.
My little Bible is so dogeared and high lighted, but when I turn the pages it takes me back to that time in my life. The lowest time in my life I depended on God's Words to sustain me. I can still feel the warmth of His arms around me.
I will always need His Word to guide me throughout my days. I hunger for His arms to hold me and comfort me. I long to hear Him whisper His words of affection. Through my trials I am strengthened with God's never ending love.
Gracious Father thank you for Your Word and Your love. Amen.
GIVE EAR TO MY WORDS
Psalm 5 (NAS)
I've been so busy doing for everyone, not taking time to talk, really talk and communicate with my Precious Lord God. While looking for that certain verse or chapter in the Bible this morning my fingers fell to Psalms. I like Psalms. It is praise and worship to God our Father. It is David's cry asking questions like we do.
Verse 1: Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my groaning. Yes Lord hear my words as I plead for Your forgiveness. For putting my life before You. I have been feeling rushed, can't get anything done, and always so tired. Telling myself I'll open my Bible later when I have time.
Verse 2: Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God. Lord I cry out in deep despair and ask You for Your help. Pull me up from this pit I feel like I'm standing in. I want to stand tall and proclaim Your Word.
Verse 3: In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. Yes Lord I will bow before you and ask You to lead me throughout my day. To guide me in all I do and say. And I know that You will be with me in all of my challenges.
Verse 4: For Thou art not a God who take pleasure in wickendness; no evil dwells with Thee. Your Word tells me You are a loving Father and do not like to punish. But like any Father when I need a swat on the backside You are there to give it in a loving way. Like I told my children, "Just to get their attention." In the same way I need that swat to get my attention.
Verse 5: The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; thou dost hate all who do iniquity. I know I get pridefull sometimes and have to be reminded that I cannot do any thing without You. I need reminding You lead me, not me taking the lead.
Verse 6: Thou dost destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. When those around me talk of others to make themselves look better I know God cringes. I feel uncomfortable and am reminded that God will punish that person. I need to pray for them.
Verse 7: But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, at Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee. I know I am a sinner but through Christ Jesus sacrifice I am saved. He did it for me. And He did it for everyone.
Verse 8: O Lord, Lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes: make Thy way straight before me. May I never take my eyes off You and Your path for me.
Verse 9: There is nothing reliable in what they say; their inward part is destruction itself, their throat is an open grave, they flatter with their tongue. May I always rely on Your Word
Verse 10: Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out. For they are rebellious against Thee. You are a just God. You and You alone let us make our own decisions. You give us more than one time to make our choice to follow You or go our own way.
Verse 11: But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and mayest Thou shelter them, that those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. We give praise and all honor to You our Heavenly Father. You rein from above. I lift my eyes to the heavens and praise Your Holy Name. Abba Father.
Verse 12: For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord. Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield. You shower me with blessings every day of my life. I am rich and secure with Your love surrounding me. I am not worthy of all You have done for me.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father forgive me for letting my life get so full of everyday things. For not taking the time I need to be in complete and wholeheart communication with you. Thank you for Your love and guidance. In Jesus Name Amen.
I've been so busy doing for everyone, not taking time to talk, really talk and communicate with my Precious Lord God. While looking for that certain verse or chapter in the Bible this morning my fingers fell to Psalms. I like Psalms. It is praise and worship to God our Father. It is David's cry asking questions like we do.
Verse 1: Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my groaning. Yes Lord hear my words as I plead for Your forgiveness. For putting my life before You. I have been feeling rushed, can't get anything done, and always so tired. Telling myself I'll open my Bible later when I have time.
Verse 2: Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God. Lord I cry out in deep despair and ask You for Your help. Pull me up from this pit I feel like I'm standing in. I want to stand tall and proclaim Your Word.
Verse 3: In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. Yes Lord I will bow before you and ask You to lead me throughout my day. To guide me in all I do and say. And I know that You will be with me in all of my challenges.
Verse 4: For Thou art not a God who take pleasure in wickendness; no evil dwells with Thee. Your Word tells me You are a loving Father and do not like to punish. But like any Father when I need a swat on the backside You are there to give it in a loving way. Like I told my children, "Just to get their attention." In the same way I need that swat to get my attention.
Verse 5: The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; thou dost hate all who do iniquity. I know I get pridefull sometimes and have to be reminded that I cannot do any thing without You. I need reminding You lead me, not me taking the lead.
Verse 6: Thou dost destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. When those around me talk of others to make themselves look better I know God cringes. I feel uncomfortable and am reminded that God will punish that person. I need to pray for them.
Verse 7: But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, at Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee. I know I am a sinner but through Christ Jesus sacrifice I am saved. He did it for me. And He did it for everyone.
Verse 8: O Lord, Lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes: make Thy way straight before me. May I never take my eyes off You and Your path for me.
Verse 9: There is nothing reliable in what they say; their inward part is destruction itself, their throat is an open grave, they flatter with their tongue. May I always rely on Your Word
Verse 10: Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out. For they are rebellious against Thee. You are a just God. You and You alone let us make our own decisions. You give us more than one time to make our choice to follow You or go our own way.
Verse 11: But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and mayest Thou shelter them, that those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. We give praise and all honor to You our Heavenly Father. You rein from above. I lift my eyes to the heavens and praise Your Holy Name. Abba Father.
Verse 12: For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord. Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield. You shower me with blessings every day of my life. I am rich and secure with Your love surrounding me. I am not worthy of all You have done for me.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father forgive me for letting my life get so full of everyday things. For not taking the time I need to be in complete and wholeheart communication with you. Thank you for Your love and guidance. In Jesus Name Amen.
Friday, July 1, 2011
UPON HIS ROCK
1 Peter 2:5
You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
I was at a Gideon meeting with my husband a few months ago and they were talking about God, our rock. As I listened to the verses that were quoted it made me stop and think about my life. The times I've blundered about thinking I was going to do things on my own only to find out I needed to lean on God to help me through.
Our children sing a song about building your house upon the rock. It will always stand firm. God is that rock. He is always there to listen to your needs, wants, and most of all, your praise.
God is my rock, He is my shield, and protector. 2 Samuel 22 says The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. I've thought about the times I got up, went about my daily grind, and didn't take time to talk to God first. Oh things went alright, but I could feel something was amiss. Like there was a burden laying on my shoulders. A voice tugging at my side saying. "Come to me. Talk with me, walk with me, and I will give you peace throughout the day."
As soon as I sit down, open my Bible, and talk with God a feeling of elation fills my body.
Gracious Heavenly Father You are my rock and my Redeemer. Forgive me when I start my day out with out You. Lead and guide me always. Amen.
You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
I was at a Gideon meeting with my husband a few months ago and they were talking about God, our rock. As I listened to the verses that were quoted it made me stop and think about my life. The times I've blundered about thinking I was going to do things on my own only to find out I needed to lean on God to help me through.
Our children sing a song about building your house upon the rock. It will always stand firm. God is that rock. He is always there to listen to your needs, wants, and most of all, your praise.
God is my rock, He is my shield, and protector. 2 Samuel 22 says The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. I've thought about the times I got up, went about my daily grind, and didn't take time to talk to God first. Oh things went alright, but I could feel something was amiss. Like there was a burden laying on my shoulders. A voice tugging at my side saying. "Come to me. Talk with me, walk with me, and I will give you peace throughout the day."
As soon as I sit down, open my Bible, and talk with God a feeling of elation fills my body.
Gracious Heavenly Father You are my rock and my Redeemer. Forgive me when I start my day out with out You. Lead and guide me always. Amen.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
JUDGE
Ecclesiastes 3:17 NAS
God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.
The other day as I was sitting in the car waiting for my grandson's gymnastics class to finish I watched as a woman walked in front of me. Her hair was pinned on top of her head with stringy wisps blowing about her face. A dirty dress with a torn thin sweater covered her body and a large shopping bag hung on her shoulder.
I watched her as she went to the end of the building and disappeared around the corner. In the back of my mind I thought what is that kind of woman doing in this neighborhood? Before I could react to that statement I was hit with the realization I just judged that lady. What do I really know about her?
How many times have you done the same thing without realizing that you were judge and jury of someone? We do not know what is going on in another person's life. If we would think about it each one of us is guilty of keeping things to ourselves. We do not want to burden others with our problems. So we let our problems grow and grow until they are out of control.
Perhaps that person lost his job, his house, then his family. He has been beaten down by life and doesn't know how to pull himself up and go on. A kind word, a prayer, or even a simple phrase in passing such as "how are you today" would mean everything to them. To them it may mean someone cares.
Those that have a church home and family share their concerns, needs, and pray together. But there are a lot of people that do not have that. They are the ones wandering, looking, and missing the love of Jesus. We, I, am to share His love by that kind word or deed.
Dear Father guide me each day to utter a kind word or do something for a stranger that would make a difference in their life. To show Your love through me. Amen.
God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.
The other day as I was sitting in the car waiting for my grandson's gymnastics class to finish I watched as a woman walked in front of me. Her hair was pinned on top of her head with stringy wisps blowing about her face. A dirty dress with a torn thin sweater covered her body and a large shopping bag hung on her shoulder.
I watched her as she went to the end of the building and disappeared around the corner. In the back of my mind I thought what is that kind of woman doing in this neighborhood? Before I could react to that statement I was hit with the realization I just judged that lady. What do I really know about her?
How many times have you done the same thing without realizing that you were judge and jury of someone? We do not know what is going on in another person's life. If we would think about it each one of us is guilty of keeping things to ourselves. We do not want to burden others with our problems. So we let our problems grow and grow until they are out of control.
Perhaps that person lost his job, his house, then his family. He has been beaten down by life and doesn't know how to pull himself up and go on. A kind word, a prayer, or even a simple phrase in passing such as "how are you today" would mean everything to them. To them it may mean someone cares.
Those that have a church home and family share their concerns, needs, and pray together. But there are a lot of people that do not have that. They are the ones wandering, looking, and missing the love of Jesus. We, I, am to share His love by that kind word or deed.
Dear Father guide me each day to utter a kind word or do something for a stranger that would make a difference in their life. To show Your love through me. Amen.
PEARL OF GREAT VALUE
Matthew 13: 45-46 NAS
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Years ago one of my sisters bought our mother a necklace of fine pearls. My sister told me that Mom often said she would like to have a set of pearls, so she saved her money for a long time in order to buy them. When Mom showed them to me I saw the light in her eyes as she ran her fingers across each pearl. Mom had never had such a finer piece of jewelry.
Recently I was watching television where they showed people diving for pearls, surfacing and diving once more to bring even more pearls to place in their buckets. They were opened and the tissues were searched. More than a ton were searched in order to find at least 3 to 4 quality pearls.
To God each one of us is a pearl of great value. Like the pearl, He shapes and molds us every time we are in His word.
In God's eyes we are not only beautiful on the outside but just as beautiful on the inside. I Peter 3:4 says let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
Remember each morning when you arise and each evening when you retire. You are a fine pearl.
Dear Father thank you for making me Your pearl. Amen.
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Years ago one of my sisters bought our mother a necklace of fine pearls. My sister told me that Mom often said she would like to have a set of pearls, so she saved her money for a long time in order to buy them. When Mom showed them to me I saw the light in her eyes as she ran her fingers across each pearl. Mom had never had such a finer piece of jewelry.
Recently I was watching television where they showed people diving for pearls, surfacing and diving once more to bring even more pearls to place in their buckets. They were opened and the tissues were searched. More than a ton were searched in order to find at least 3 to 4 quality pearls.
To God each one of us is a pearl of great value. Like the pearl, He shapes and molds us every time we are in His word.
In God's eyes we are not only beautiful on the outside but just as beautiful on the inside. I Peter 3:4 says let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
Remember each morning when you arise and each evening when you retire. You are a fine pearl.
Dear Father thank you for making me Your pearl. Amen.
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